UP: 2 criminals gunned down in police encounter

Varanasi, Sep 15: Two notorious criminals, carrying a bounty of Rs 10,000 each on their heads, were shot dead after a brief police encounter here today.

Acting on a tip-off, police cordoned of Lanka area, where the criminals -- Umesh Yadav and Mahajan Patel were hiding. However, when police intercepted the duo, they opened fire at police party and died in retaliatory firing.

Four weapons, including two American revolvers were also seized from their possession.

Umesh was facing altogether 13 cases against him, while the other was wanted in 19 criminal cases of murder and loot.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.

UNI